Bone loss begins to speed up for all ladies of their mid-30s, so should you’re beneath 50 and assume DEXA scans and bone density considerations don’t apply to you—maintain up.
That is data you’ll need beneath your belt sooner fairly than later. Let’s discuss why.
What’s a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (quick for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a fast, non-invasive check that measures the mineral content material of your bones to evaluate bone density and monitor adjustments over time.
Whereas it makes use of a small quantity of radiation, publicity is minimal—about one-tenth that of a chest x-ray and fewer than what you’d get from a single day of background radiation.
The scan takes about 10 minutes. You’ll lie on a desk whereas an imaging arm passes over key websites—mostly the lumbar backbone, hip, femoral neck, and wrist.
Why You May Want a DEXA Scan Sooner Than You Suppose
At this yr’s BHOF Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis, ladies’s well being researcher Dr. Amanda Clark stated plainly: “Ready till age 65 to guage skeletal well being is simply too late.”
Why? As a result of ladies start to lose bone quickly within the yr earlier than their ultimate menstrual interval (the official marker of menopause), and that elevated price of loss continues for about two years after. On this quick window, ladies lose a median of 10% of their complete bone mass.
For the reason that common age of menopause is between 45 and 55, a lady might be dropping bone for 10 to twenty years with none consciousness or intervention.
Bone transforming—a wholesome, lifelong course of through which previous or broken bone is damaged down and changed by new tissue—slows over time. By our mid-30s, bone resorption begins to outpace bone formation, leading to a gradual however regular decline in bone mass.
This loss accelerates through the menopausal transition, when estrogen—a key driver of bone formation—declines.
Whereas the CDC and the Bone Well being & Osteoporosis Basis (BHOF) nonetheless suggest a primary DEXA scan at age 65, many consultants are calling for up to date pointers that replicate rising proof: Ladies profit from having a baseline scan a lot earlier. Quite a few danger elements already qualify many ladies for early screening—and insurance coverage will usually cowl the scan with a health care provider’s prescription indicating only one.
Tips on how to Get a Baseline DEXA Sooner
Insurance coverage usually covers a DEXA scan when osteoporosis danger is medically justified. With so many danger elements—starting from physique composition to drugs—most ladies are probably lined for early testing.
Under is a non-exhaustive checklist of danger classes that can assist you start a dialog along with your healthcare supplier:
Physique Composition & Demographic Danger Components
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Low Physique Weight / Slender Construct – Much less bone mass will increase vulnerability to loss.
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Race – White and Asian ladies face the next danger of osteoporosis.
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Household Historical past – A guardian with osteoporosis or a fragility fracture raises your danger.*
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Fall Historical past – A bent to fall will increase fracture danger.*
Even minor falls (from standing top or much less) that lead to fractures needs to be thought of pink flags. For instance, in case your mother broke her wrist tripping over a rug, that’s thought of a fragility fracture—even when she wasn’t formally recognized with osteoporosis.
Hormonal & Reproductive Components
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Menopause-Associated Hormone Decline
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Early Menopause (pure or surgical)
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Amenorrhea / Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Dietary & Consuming Habits Components
Way of life Components
Illness-Associated Components
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Endocrine & Hormonal Issues (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s)
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Gastrointestinal Illnesses (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s)
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Autoimmune Situations (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
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Most cancers
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HIV/AIDS
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Vertebral Abnormalities (e.g., scoliosis, unexplained top loss)
Treatment-Associated Components
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Glucocorticoids / ACTH
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Antiepileptic Medication
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Most cancers Hormonal Therapies
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
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SSRIs (Antidepressants)
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Thiazolidinediones (for Kind 2 Diabetes)
Along with this checklist, on-line instruments such because the Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis Danger Verify, FRAX Fracture Danger Evaluation Software, and Garvan Fracture Danger Calculator may also help estimate your osteoporosis and fracture dangers.
Can I Get a DEXA Scan if I Don’t Have Any Danger Components?
Sure—you possibly can nonetheless select to get one. Out-of-pocket prices usually vary from $100–$250, and you’ll usually use HSA/FSA funds. Whereas it’s an upfront expense, think about it an funding in prevention.
A baseline scan offers you data. And data offers you energy.
You’ll want to name forward—not all imaging facilities provide self-pay DEXA scans with no referral.
What Do My DEXA Outcomes Imply?
DEXA scan outcomes are usually reported as T-scores and Z-scores.
- The T-score compares your bone mineral density (BMD) to that of a wholesome 30-year-old grownup of the identical organic intercourse (thought of peak bone mass).
- The Z-score compares your BMD to the common of individuals your age and intercourse.
Osteoporosis is recognized utilizing the T-score. A decrease (extra adverse) rating signifies higher bone loss:
Word: Z-scores could also be extra helpful for figuring out secondary causes of bone loss in youthful ladies and premenopausal populations.
- A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 signifies low bone mass (osteopenia).
- A T-score of -2.5 or decrease signifies osteoporosis.
Every T-score level roughly correlates with a proportion of bone loss. For instance:
- A T-score of -1.0 displays about 10% bone loss
- A T-score of -2.5 displays roughly 25% bone loss
The Backside Line
Given the wide selection of danger elements, most ladies are eligible—and clever—to get an early DEXA scan. Don’t assume your bones are wholesome simply since you really feel wholesome.
Speak along with your physician about your private danger profile and ask for a prescription to get a baseline scan. Out of your mid-30s on, bone loss is going on whether or not you see it or not.
The excellent news? You’ll be able to gradual it down and even construct bone by partaking in confirmed, proactive methods like progressive energy coaching and influence coaching. And since peak bone mass is usually achieved by early maturity, we additionally must encourage the subsequent era—our youngsters and youths—to have interaction in bone-building actions now, so that they’ll have a stronger basis for many years to return.
Hold lifting, leaping, and looking for robust bones at all ages. —Karin
References:
- Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).(2024). DEXA Scans: Info and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html
- Nationwide Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Pores and skin Illnesses (NIAMS).(n.d.). Osteoporosis. Nationwide Institutes of Well being. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis
- Cosman, F. et al.(2024). Proceedings of the 2024 Santa Fe Bone Symposium: Replace on the Administration of Osteoporosis and Uncommon Bone Illnesses. Bone Reviews. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094695024000921
- Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis (IOF).(n.d.). Osteoporosis Sources and Danger Instruments. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.basis
- Examine of Ladies’s Well being Throughout the Nation (SWAN).(2023). Bone Well being Truth Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.swanstudy.org/wps/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SWAN-Truth-Sheets-Bone.pdf
- College of Alabama at Birmingham.(n.d.). Step 2: Bone Density Testing – Price. UAB Tone Your Bones. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/shp/toneyourbones/step-2-bone-density-testing/price
- Sidecar Well being.(n.d.). DEXA Scan Price: Price Lookup Software. Retrieved from https://price.sidecarhealth.com/c/dexa-scan-cost
- Florencio-Silva, R., et al.(2015). Biology of Bone Tissue: Construction, Operate, and Components That Affect Bone Cells. BioMed Analysis Worldwide, 2015, Article ID 421746. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/421746
- NIH Consensus Growth Panel.(2001). Osteoporosis Prevention, Prognosis, and Remedy. JAMA, 285(6), 785–795. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.6.785
- Nieves, J. W.(2005). Skeletal Results of Vitamins and Nutraceuticals, Past Calcium and Vitamin D. Osteoporosis Worldwide, 16(7), 773–782. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-005-1919-7
- Riggs, B. L., & Melton, L. J.(1986). Involutional Osteoporosis. New England Journal of Medication, 314(26), 1676–1686. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198606263142605
- Krabbe, S., & Christiansen, C.(1984). Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Ladies. Journal of Medical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 59(2), 373–379. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-59-2-373
